Pillows

It has been a hectic, frenzied time at our house... Husband and I are making the leap into home ownership and when I say leap, I mean LEAP. One day of house hunting set the ball rolling for a super quick chain of events. We're still in the middle of it, but if everything works out, we'll be in our new house in early April! As stressful as it can be at times (especially because I tend to be the level-headed one around our house...), I just keep telling myself, "sewing room. sewing room. sewing room." I can't wait!

We have had a few nice additions to the current living room recently. First up is this gorgeous pillow (and it's mate) made by Amanda for the BTRS swap.

I don't know how she managed to cross an ocean, sneak into our house, record the exact Pantone numbers of our other couch pillows, and then create these beauties... but she did. And I am totally impressed and we LOVE THEM.

We saw some more great pillows at a wonderful little store called White Bench in Middleburg, VA. Although, I didn't necessarily love the price. I said what I always say, 'I could make that!', and this time, I actually did. The store version had a bit more going on, visually. I feel like this needs something on the right side. Any suggestions?

The pillow is unbleached cotton fabric, freezer paper stenciled bird, and sewn on branch (Amy Butler Midwest Modern 2, Ripple Stripe in Rust). I added the blue trim; it was purchased as part of a grab bag from a church garage sale two years ago and is 50 year old bias binding. (I am really getting my $1 worth for that purchase!) Yes, the insert needs to be stuffed a bit more, but I really like it and it emerged from the sewing machine just as I had pictured in my head.

Next up... angeling pillows for Becca from the BTRS Swap.

Waste Not, Want Not

'WNWN' is a total cliche; but it has definite weight when I hear it. This plate is from the collection of the St. Louis Art Museum, and it is 300-400 years old (can't remember dates), so we know that the phrase has been around for awhile. Do I think that 400 year old wisdom has helped us? Ehh... maybe not.

I am lucky enough to live in a place and have the means to go out and get a lot. I say 'a lot' meaning both many different things and great quantities of things. And in obtaining so much, I think things really loose their value. We live in such a disposable culture (get stuff, get tired of it, get more) and I want to really fight that mentality. I want to treasure what I have, utilize items to their fullest, and think before getting more. Not only is this a more centered or thoughtful way to live, it is also a 'greener' practice.

At our house, the area that plagues me the most is food. Too bad I don't have a set of WNWN dishes to keep this thought in the forefront! I have a pantry full of food. I have a fridge full of food. I have a freezer full of food. Yet we eat out a lot and let a lot go to waste. This is not what I want for my family.

What do I want for us? Healthy, local meals that taste good and nurture our bodies. My wasteful consumption definitely gets in the way of that goal! What can we do to get what we want? Plan meals, be willing to work (i.e. skip fast food, go to the farmer's market instead of the local big box grocery) for our meals, and use the left-overs afterwards. I look forward to being a better steward of what I have, and in turn, being able to provide my family with healthier and better meals.

What do you want? How is waste getting in the way of getting what you want?

Pizza Delivery?

Note to self: if you are hungry, do not browse your Flickr photostream, as there are photos of Imo's Pizza.

I made sure to photograph our delicious lunch when we went during our St. Louis trip in December. Mmmmm..... Provel-y, saucy, square-y goodness. I am literally salivating at the thought of this pizza. I'll just let Wikipedia explain what all this is about. In the meantime, I might give Imo's a call to see how big their delivery radius is.

Tomorrow... the quilt I finished today. Yea!

Welcome Back

It's been a long time, Internet. I haven't blogged in almost 4 months to the day. Do I know why? Ehhh.... life got very busy in November/December and creativity seems to dry up in the winter. I've been keeping busy recently with different projects, I've been inspired by things I'm seeing others do online, my sewing table is actually clean enough to work. So, all these things have converged and here I am. Lots of posts in the near future, I hope.

Here's a little glance into what was happening while I was away for so long. I made this quilt back in December as a Christmas gift for Husband's mother. The pattern is from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing (I have made 3 of these quilts. Love the pattern. Made another quilt this month that is actually NOT this pattern! Gasp!). I love the colors of this quilt and it came together beautifully.

And as far as future posts are concerned, I, like everyone else in the blogosphere, have fallen in love with Wendy Mullin's new book, Built By Wendy Dresses. Hopefully I'll be back next week to share my own 'dirndl sloper' [read 'dress pattern']. (And don't google dirndl if you don't know what it is. You'll just get lady lederhosen. Dirndl is a dress shape that I suppose is popular at Oktoberfest. My dirndl will NOT be that sort of dirndl. Sorry.)

Shenandoah

Ran away to the mountains this weekend. Spent some nice time with Husband and our friends Tyler and Gentri. We camped in Shenandoah National Park; the colors and the smell of fall in the air were amazing and I am wishing we could go back right this minute.

Hamburger Dills

You might remember Stephanie, the friend for whom I made this quilt. Steph is a fabulous gift giver and I cannot wait to blog and blog and blog about this one. A few weeks ago an entire home canning set found its way to my house. What a fabulous bday gift! CANNING! and PRESERVING! Seriously. Husband might have shaken his head a few times at me, but when the word 'pickles' was uttered he was on board.

Here it all is; canning salt, vinegar, dill, cucumbers, lids, bands, peppercorns, jars.

Cucumbers (from the Farmer's Market) sliced and ready to go.

The canning set-up; left front is brine, left back is lids simmering, right side is the canner (big, isn't it??).

The finished product. Give me 4-6 weeks and then I'll let you know how they turned out. Recipe is from the Ball Blue Book.

Richmond VA

Husband and I spent 4th of July weekend in Richmond, VA. Nice little town and an overall nice getaway. The fireworks display claimed to be the only show in the country to have fireworks, live music, and cannons to perform the 1812 Overture (which is Russian, by the way. Go figure...).

We had a great time and every moment of that weekend made me so happy to be married to this man. I don't think that there is anyone else with whom I would want to spend the good times and bad times. We got word that his 'Oma' (grandmother) had died during our vacation. It was upsetting news, but she's off to see Jesus now; no longer dealing with cancer and old age. We worry about Opa; how her death will affect him. Many times we remarked to each other, 'You are not allowed to die'.

So, today, on our 3rd anniversary I just thought I'd tell you all (and him) how much Andy means to me and how greatful I am for such a wonderful partner. Below are some of my favorite photos from the weekend in Richmond.

During the car-ride there. Horrendous traffic with a smile on his face.

Winking at yours truly before the fireworks started.

My happy husband. He's got a very happy wife. Happy anniversary, babe!

Bringing the Outside In

Our rental townhouse is severly lacking in green space. As in... we have a small dirt patch about 9 inches by 2 feet and that is our 'yard'. Basically it's enough space for our gutter downspout to train into. The view is not pretty, folks. Concrete and vinal siding as far as the eye can see.

I've been saying for months that I wanted to find small succulant planters and have a small collection of plants in our living room. Succulants are great because they're hard to kill; both for me and our cat. While shopping at Ikea a few weekends ago we came upon these planters AND the succulants to go in them.

They take hardly any work and they look fabulous. The cat has stopped trying to eat them, even! A great way to bring the outside in.

Happiness is...

It has been almost two months since my last posting. During a recent conversation a friend asked, "when am I going to open your blog and see more than an apron?". Well, friend, the time is now.

Creativity seems to have dried up at my house; the only sewing I've done recently was projects for other people [basket liners for a friend's nursery and two lap quilts made from Sunday School quilt blocks]. Sewing out of necessity and not because of inspiration is a total buzz kill. Plus, I think I've adjusted to the Eastern time zone [Conan isn't on until 11:30!!!] and Husband and I have been sleeping in more, thus negating all free time I used to have between 5:30 and 8am way back in our CST days.

I think I'm coming out of the slump, though, as the past few days have been INCREDIBLY busy from 7-9am [in two mornings time I've done five loads of laundry, cleaned and vacuumed the first floor of our house, changed the engine air filters in both cars, and started practicing my yoga again. PHEW!]. I've even got my eye on a few projects, namely, the Summer Blouse from Weekend Sewing, something or other out of some Amy Butler I bought on a whim [perhaps the summer blouse!], and a skirt or two.

Now... to get to the post I originally set out to write.

I have the great joy [and sometimes frustration] of working with kids on a daily basis. Today one particularly ornery 5 year old said to me, "Miss Adrienne, I really like my life", and then continued to list all the reasons why his life is so grand. Got me thinking about the good things that have been happening in my life recently and so, this list is born.

Happiness is...

• having an incredible Husband who is just an all around great guy.
• talking to friends from far away, sharing life via the phone even though the miles keep us apart.
• patiently waiting YEARS to find a watch that I had pictured in my head and randomly coming across it at Sundance.
• having a 6 year old tell me 'I like your shirt!'
• the new Iron and Wine collection. Some old stuff, some remastered stuff, and some new stuff, too.
• getting away from life for a bit; Husband and I will be traveling to Richmond VA soon. Any must see things?

So what do you have in your life to be happy about this week?

Twosday

This Tuesday was a great day for two reasons:

1. I received my BTRS Swap package! Emily did a fabulous job on all of it. She made a wonderful bag out of a really fun fabric. I love the way she made the tab closure (I will be stealing this idea, Emily). She also made a really cute pincushion and included new pins, too. THANK YOU EMILY! [Ummm, perhaps I should start sewing for my partner now...]

2. Carrot cake! I made this cake last year when Husband and I celebrated Easter with our Chicago friends [I MISS you guys!] instead of our St. Louis families. It was GOOD then and it was GREAT again on Tuesday night. Husband and I are members of a small group Bible study on Tuesdays of several really great couples in their 20s and 30s. We always have dinner and dessert before we begin. I usually bring dessert (although others have made fabulous desserts, too). As you can see by the large portion that was eaten, this was a big hit. Cake recipe here and frosting here.Use only 1.5 C sugar in cake and 3 C in frosting, or else it will be WAY TOO SWEET!

Time for me to run home (posting from the library again; who volunteers to call the Internet company for me??) and eat the last of that cake!

On Consumption -or-A post that got way longer than I ever thought it would!

Consumption is a topic that I have been thinking about a lot recently. I feel as though society, myself included, is turning a blind eye to the amount of stuff that we use. I find myself asking; Why are the habits of this generation and this time so different than the behaviors of the past? When did it become OK to use, use, use, without any care or concern for how things will be replenished? How can I reduce what I use, appreciate what I have, and help create a richer place for the future? I wonder if this is a topic that most ever stop and think about. Is the average everyday person out there stopping to think about the effect of their actions? Do people realize that the tiniest of things that we do today will have an effect on tomorrow?

I stopped at the grocery store on the way to work this morning and purchased one item; a small box of food coloring. The grocery attendant happily put my one box (which was already wrapped in plastic) into a plastic grocery bag. I carry a HUGE purse and could easily put a sack full of groceries inside. I told her 'I don't need a bag, thanks', and was on the receiving end of a questioning glance (as always). Why is 'no bag, thanks' so hard to understand?

This could easily turn into a plastic vs. paper vs. reusable bag debate; the issue is much larger. Why are we drinking bottled water when the tap is usually cleaner and tastier? Why is it OK for you to throw your cigarette butt out the window of your car? Who needs to eat strawberries in the middle of January? Are we taking advantage of local recycling programs? Why do we need brand new cars every 4 years? Do you know what chemicals are in your [fill in the blank (shampoo, chicken, carpet, laundry detergent, etc.)]? When did shopping become a hobby? Why does a newlywed couple need a 4 bedroom house?

I believe that this issue boils down to the fact that 1. we have lost sight of wants and needs and 2. we have stopped thinking for ourselves and instead have come to accept the status quo.

We have become used to needing a lot of pointless stuff. We have also become used to getting what we want and therefore, somewhere along the line, convincing ourselves that we need it. I think that we as a society would greatly benefit from weighing our wants and needs and making sure that the two are in check.

I also think that we would greatly benefit from taking a long look at our current lifestyles and practices and deciding whether or not this is really how we want to live. When was the last time you asked yourself 'how is this made' 'what effect does this have on me' 'why do I want this' 'will I really use this'? We have fallen under the veil of consumerism and prosperity and have stopped living our own lives. Instead, we are puppets of TV commercials, the Joneses, housing bubbles, and the like.

What does this mean for me? How do I turn these thoughts into action? What about you? Are you stopping to think? Do you really 'need' everything you say you do? Is your life helping or hurting those around you and future generations?

Flirty Apron Swap

I signed up for another swap this week. Perhaps all these swaps and projects I want to start (or complete...) will be reason enough to get the office/sewing room cleaned out this weekend. And I heard on the Today Show this morning that when you share your goals you are more likely to follow through, so here goes: I will clean out the office and post pictures next week. I cannnot wait for you to be amazed at the amount of stuff we have crammed into such a small room. Be prepared!

The swap is the 'Flirty Apron Swap' and should be exciting! I have whipped up lots of aprons for friends and family (and even strangers), so what's another one, huh? There might be time for you to get in on this swap, too.

Winter Is Here

Northern Virginia had its first real snowfall yesterday, followed by an ice storm last night. Winter is finally here! I've so enjoyed the beauty of the snow, the brightness at night with the moon reflecting off the snow, the still in the air. These are things that should have been happening months ago! But, I guess I will appreciate the fact that this snow will only be around for a bit. It will not wear out its welcome like it did in Chicago.

My life has been hectic; my weekends have been busy. I am SO looking forward to some time of my own this weekend. One major project to finish (finally....) and then this one to start.

Also, hopefully soon I'll have a nice crafty announcement to make... stay tuned for details.

Life in VA: Update #1

Apologies for the scarcity in blogging. Double apologies for the boring nature of my most recent postings.

Life in our new state is going well. Although I am busy with work, I see Husband more than I did in IL. I have more free time than I did in IL. I am in proximity to way more Starbucks than I was in IL (that one could be either positive or negative, depending on how you look at it). On the flip side, I have not been crafting as much as I did in IL.

Unfortunately, our new craft/office/music room is a complete mess. This is what happens when you mush the contents of two rooms together into one smaller space. The room currently contains a computer desk, my sewing table with two machines, four bookcases, about 5 guitars, and a keyboard. Not to mention two boxes of stuff that have no home (Thursday I do not have to work and MUST get this room clean). All this did not stop me from a bit of Christmas crafting.

I made some fabric chargers for the table a few weeks ago. No photos today. Maybe tomorrow. Red and white ticking on the front and solid red on the back. They look great with a crisp white runner, white and red dishes, and some lovely votive holders that I received for Christmas from a co-worker.

I've also started on some crafty Christmas gifts that have become New Years gifts that will most likely be "Happy January 15!" presents. Anyone know of an obscure holiday that falls in the middle of January?

And, just to appease the 'must always post a photo when blogging' gods, here's a shot of our new living room. Ignore the couch and the ottoman, as we purchased a new couch a few weeks ago (impulse buy of sorts; we had been looking for a new couch for a month and although we knew we wanted to buy one, we walked out of Arhaus that day bewildered; "Did we just buy a couch?") and a new table on Sunday (courtesy of several Christmas checks, memo field was 'coffee table' as we told people that's what we were saving to buy).

Merry Christmas!

I'm still alive. Here's the proof.

Maybe if you're lucky I'll post again in a month. Merry Christmas!

Still Alive

I'm still alive. Still without internet at home, too. Almost all of the boxes have been relegated to the garage. Work is going well. Life is going well.

Photos of the house to come soon.

Also, I got my BTRS quilt a few days ago; what a great housewarming gift! You can see photos that my partner took here. I love it and it has a great place of honor on the couch. So, until the photos of the new place come, just picture that quilt on our beige couch. That's what VA looks like.

Virginia!

We're here. I'm at the public library (walking distance from our house, score!). The moving truck is unloading as I type. Job starts on Wednesday. So far so good. A few things to note...

1. Went to the Obama rally on Tuesday night. That experience was one of the most incredible of my life. Absolutely amazing. I was especially proud when it was announced that VA went blue. "That's our state!", Husband and I cheered. Words can't describe the joy and hope that were present with us as we watched CNN on the jumbotrons and then later listened to Pres. Obama speak. And the party in the streets afterwards was unreal, too.
2. Sewing goodness to come soon, once we figure out how to cram our new office with all my sewing stuff, our computer desk, and about 12 various musical instruments. Husband wants to hang the stringed ones on the walls. I think the landlord might be a bit upset about all the anchor holes in the drywall. We'll see.

Fall Placemats and More Thoughts on Moving

Well, seeing as how the little tree in our front yard has suddenly become a glorious orange, I will officially deem it fall. Yes, I know that fall started awhile ago, but with 70 degree weather and green trees it hasn't really felt like fall yet. One thing I wanted to make before autumn and before we move is done! Yes! My fall placemats came out beautifully.

[edges are not as wonky as they appear;
I'm blaming camera angles for this one.]

Materials used; Amy Butler Garden Maze in Mustard, kona quilting cotton, and grosgrain ribbon. I used two fat quarters for the panels. One I had from the FQs I got way back in July and the other I bought from ruralFABRIC. The back is kona cotton. Using just a bit of AB fabric and a lot of kona (bought with a 40% coup at JoAnns for sure) saved a lot of money. Plus, the chargers cover most of the placemat anyway, why use expensive fabric for that? I love the way these turned out and love the design... I can see a whole rainbow of placemats in my future. Now I just need a rolled hem foot for my serger and I could whip out the cloth napkins to match.

Our new rental has all white walls, and I don't think we have plans to paint any time soon. The white will be a welcomed change from the intensity of this kitchen; white throughout the house will also allow us to focus on beautiful things and not walls.

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We're getting close to the big move; Monday is pack day (I am so happy I don't have to do this), Tuesday is load the truck day, Wednesday we depart, and Thursday we arrive in VA. We still have a lot to do, and I should probably be folding clothes or packing a suitcase instead of blogging, but I so wanted to share my new creation.

We were lucky enough to have some great friends over last night. I stayed up way later than I have in a long time; talking and watching the guys Guitar Hero like fools. We have crammed in as many lunches, dinners, and get-together as possible this last week. I am desperately trying to overdose on other people before we go.

These last few days at home have been hard. Not hard with all the stuff we must do before we go and in preparation for the move, but hard as we say 'See you later' (not 'Goodbye') to friends. I have known my closest friends here in Chicago for about 6 years; we have friendships that go beyond mutual interests and a shared location.

I'm not interested in replacing these friends, but I am worried about connecting with people of similar belief and mindset. DC is a big place and there have got to be a few like-minded folks out there, right?

Moving

Did I mention that we're moving? I did? Did I mention that I have SO MUCH TO DO!? I'm trying so hard to not get caught up in everything that must be done. The last week in this place should be a time of reminiscing and remembering. Husband and I don't know if we'll ever be back. Perhaps for a little visit here or there, but I highly doubt that we will ever live in this part of the country again. I've been here for over 7 years. Hopefully we'll be in the next place for even longer. We leave next Wednesday.

St. Louis Recap

It is very late for me to be blogging. But this is how the chain of events went tonight... eat some amazing aged cheddar... go to sleep... have a dream about a crazy co-worker trying to kill me... wake up... spend hours on the couch trying to fall asleep. I should have known better! Dairy products before bed always give me crazy dreams!! Anyways, I'm taking this opportunity to recap our fabulous trip this week.

This week I...

• replaced a foglight and TWO headlights that burnt out in Husband's car. How do TWO headlights burn out at the same time??
• hand sewed the binding to my BTRS quilt. It is DONE and will be mailed tomorrow. Hurray! Expect a detailed blog post after Mary Ann receives it.
  
• saw grandpa and grandma on my side and Husband's oma and opa.
• ate sushi for the first time. I know, I know. I've been missing out. AND the restaurant where we ate was EMPTY. Just the 4 of us. Private sushi party at Modai!
  
• loved the Stephen Kellog show at the Duck Room. So good! Only downside... idiots being rude and loud while Stephen was talking about something with actual meaning, you know, outside of telling jokes and pandering for someone to take him on the AB tour. And you know it's a good show when you walk out with a piece of a keytar.
• enjoyed pumpkin pie gelato. First time we'd been to the South Grand Gelateria since construction time. We almost went back the next day. It's that good.
  
• gawked at mom and dad's bumper crop of sweet potatoes. Seriously, enough for twenty family's Thanksgiving dinner.

What a great time! Now we're spending next week getting ready to move. This is all happening very, very fast! Expect random posts until we get settled in VA. And expect photos of the new place soon, too.